Pakistani leaders offer condolences over Deadly Air India Crash despite tensions

KARACHI – Air India passenger jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the loss of more than 200 lives on Thursday.

The catastrophic incident prompted heartfelt condolences from Pakistani leaders, who expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the people of India during this difficult time.

Air India Crash

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, conveyed his profound sadness over the crash and extended his sympathies to the affected families and the nation of India.

Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif described the tragedy as a devastating loss that transcends borders, emphasizing shared humanity and offering his deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people.

My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.

— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed grief over the incident, offering condolences to the victims’ families and standing with them in their hour of sorrow.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan is deeply saddened by the crash of Air India Flight AI171 and extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of all onboard, keeping them in his thoughts and prayers.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 12, 2025

The outpouring of grief from Pakistan reflects a message of compassion and unity in the face of a heartbreaking disaster.

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport at 1:39 p.m. local time today. The aircraft had just completed an intense schedule of three consecutive flights within 12 hours: a long-haul flight from Paris to Delhi, followed by a domestic flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad, before attempting the ill-fated London-bound flight.

The plane, powered by GEnx-1B67 engines, had logged nearly 40,000 flight hours and 7,400 cycles since its delivery in 2014. Industry experts highlight the demanding schedule and minimal downtime between flights as potential factors that may have contributed to missed technical indicators or maintenance checks prior to the final departure. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash, with rescue and recovery operations underway.